Our Beginning
In 1967 the Salt River flooded, washing out many of the migrant camps located along the river bank. A group of women supported by “The Order of True Sisters” and other Phoenix agencies banded together to raise money to supply back-to-school clothes for the children of the migrant families. Founders Lucy Allen and Selma Shefler raised enough resources in the first year to provide 871 children with clothing, establishing Back-to-School Clothing Drive.
Today, Back-to-School Clothing Drive provide for students in Maricopa County and Northern Arizona.
More About Back-to-School Clothing Drive
Founded in 1967, Back to School Clothing Drive provides these fundamental items to high-need children throughout Arizona. Through our three programs we help more than 25,000 children from 260+ schools in 40 school districts. These programs help break down barriers to early childhood school success, build self-esteem and self-confidence, and ultimately confident, strong students ready to learn, achieve, and advance.
With the help of our volunteers, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and donors, Back to School Clothing Drive allows students to focus on what’s truly important – getting an education.
Vincent Payne, Board President – Intel (ret.)
Ken Jacobson, Treasurer – Avnet
Charmane Osborn – City of Phoenix
Directors
Elvy Barton – SRP
Marie G. Brennan – Deer Valley Education Foundation
Katie Callaway – Fennemore Craig
Rosa Casas – Wells Fargo
Lisa Deane – State Bar of Arizona
Amy Gilner – Platinum Living Realty
Bill Hawley – Charles Schwab
Jorge Hernandez – UPS
Ian Schwartz – CBS5 KPHO/3TV KTVK/AZFamily.com
Bonnie Smith – First American Title
The Back to School Clothing Drive delivers its main program services (Distribution) at Grand Canyon University Arena, which is fully ADA Compliant. Upon request, we make reasonable access accommodations at our offices at 360 E. Coronado Road, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Please direct any grievances, questions or concerns relating to this policy or our service delivery to Back to School Clothing Drive, 360 E. Coronado Road, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85004, [email protected], 602.256.9408.
Who We Reach Per Year
It’s More Than a Job.
Meet the people behind Back-to-School Clothing Drive.
Our Staff
Experience Matters / AmeriCorp Volunteer Support Team
John Baca
Lydia Baca